What Does the Bible Say About Poverty and the Poor?
What Does the Bible Say About Poverty and the Poor? The Bible commands compassion for the poor, calls injustice against them sin, and promises God's special concern for the vulnerable.
Key verse: Proverbs 19:17 (KJV)
The Bible commands compassion for the poor, calls injustice against them sin, and promises God's special concern for the vulnerable.
The Bible commands compassion for the poor, calls injustice against them sin, and promises God's special concern for the vulnerable.
"He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again." — Proverbs 19:17 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Scripture mentions the poor over 200 times. Proverbs 14:31 says, 'He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.' James 2:5 reveals that God has 'chosen the poor of this world rich in faith.' The Law required leaving grain for the poor to glean (Leviticus 19:9-10), and the prophets thundered against those who exploited the vulnerable (Amos 2:6-7, Isaiah 10:1-2). Jesus began His ministry quoting Isaiah: 'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor' (Luke 4:18). The early church shared resources so 'neither was there any among them that lacked' (Acts 4:34). Caring for the poor is not optional charity — it is a measure of genuine faith (1 John 3:17).
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Faith?
What the Bible teaches about faith, believing in God, and trusting His promises.
Key Scripture References
"He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again."
"Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?"
"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
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The Bible teaches that generosity reflects God's character, brings blessing to both giver and receiver, and is to be practiced cheerfully and sacrificially.
What Does the Bible Say About Justice?
The Bible reveals God as perfectly just and calls His people to pursue justice for the oppressed, the poor, and the vulnerable as an expression of His character.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible defines love not as a feeling but as a sacrificial choice — modeled perfectly by God's gift of His Son.
How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?
Biblical forgiveness means releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold someone's offense against them — just as God in Christ forgave us.
What Does the Bible Say About Money?
The Bible doesn't condemn money itself but warns against the love of money and teaches generosity, contentment, and wise stewardship.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Proverbs. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Proverbs on day 159 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Poverty and the Poor?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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